Pregnancy is a time of many changes, discoveries, and also some discomforts1. One of the main issues is swelling, which is very common, especially in the third trimester. Swelling can occur for several reasons, but the main cause is fluid retention. Fluid retention during pregnancy is one of the most common and typical discomforts of the gestational phase. The weight gain, the extra load on the legs, and the increased pressure on the veins make circulation in a pregnant woman’s body much more difficult. Even though this is considered a common symptom of pregnancy, it is possible to prevent or reduce the discomforts of fluid retention during pregnancy. Some routine care can reduce the symptoms or even prevent them from happening.

How to Prevent Fluid Retention During Pregnancy

  • Have a balanced diet, rich in vitamins and minerals;
  • Drink at least 3 liters of water per day;
  • Engage in some form of physical activity;
  • Reduce your consumption of coffee, mate tea, guarana, sodas, chocolate, and other foods that lead to dehydration and cause the body to retain fluid.
  • Avoid staying in the same position for long periods.

Fluid retention during pregnancy is evidenced by swelling, a normal symptom of pregnancy that is no cause for concern or panic. By taking the necessary steps, it is possible to control symptoms and have a pregnancy with minimal discomfort. Potassium intake also greatly helps regulate our bodies, so increase your consumption of vegetables and fruits, especially foods like tomatoes, spinach, fruits, unsalted dried mushrooms, and legumes that are rich in potassium and will help with control.

How to Reduce Swelling in Pregnancy

As we all know, changes are inevitable during pregnancy. Some are quite uncomfortable and last until the day of delivery, as is the case with pregnancy swelling. But is there any way to reduce swelling during this time? And the answer is yes! There are ways to reduce and control swelling during pregnancy. One of the first steps is to control weight gain during the gestational phase. This also includes paying attention to what you eat at this stage, such as avoiding foods high in sodium. Increasing downtime for rest is also a good strategy, but don’t overdo it when it comes to sitting or lying down for too long. Always take breaks with your legs elevated or even use compression stockings prescribed by your doctor to stimulate circulation.

Tight Clothing

Another important factor to avoid swelling during pregnancy is not wearing very tight or restrictive clothes. Choose looser clothing, made of more comfortable fabrics like cotton, and that let you feel as comfortable as possible, such as dresses. A valuable tip to reduce swelling during pregnancy and help you get a great night’s sleep is to use pillows to elevate your legs. End your day with a relaxing bath, put on some comfortable clothes, and lie down with your legs elevated.

Diet

Try to maintain a balanced and healthy diet2. Eat plenty of vegetables, fresh produce, and fruits, and avoid frozen foods, fast food, canned foods, and foods with preservatives. Processed meats and any item with high salt content contribute to increased swelling during pregnancy. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Ideally, you should drink around 2 to 3 liters of water a day. In addition to hydrating, you’ll be helping your body to eliminate all impurities and excess fluids, supporting your kidneys’ function3. Exercising regularly, walking, or even low-impact sports like swimming and water aerobics can provide great help during pregnancy. Staying active allows blood circulation to work properly, preventing such uncomfortable swelling. If you have the possibility, aesthetic clinics offer options that can help you a lot, such as lymphatic drainage massage at least once a week. But never forget to seek professionals qualified to care for pregnant women. See Also: Swollen Feet at the Beginning of Pregnancy – Is It Normal? Photo: DanielReche